As the NASCAR Cup Series gears up for the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday, March 9, 2025, teams and drivers are experiencing a mix of optimism and challenges.
Good News: Katherine Legge’s Historic Debut
Katherine Legge is set to make her NASCAR Cup Series debut, becoming the first woman in seven years to compete at this level since Danica Patrick’s final race in 2018.
The 44-year-old English driver will pilot the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports. Legge brings a wealth of experience from various racing disciplines, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series, IndyCar Series, and sports car racing. She expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Racing stock cars has been an incredibly fun and new challenge that’s given me a renewed sense of vigor for this sport.”
Bad News: Team Challenges and Driver Form
Defending NASCAR Cup Series champion Joey Logano has had a challenging start to the 2025 season. Despite his past successes, including two championships in 2018 and 2022, Logano’s performance this season has been below his usual standards, with fewer top-five finishes and a lower average finish compared to previous years.
Race Preview: Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway
Phoenix Raceway, a one-mile, low-banked tri-oval, is known for its unique configuration and competitive racing. The track features varying degrees of banking, with eight degrees in turns one and two, eleven degrees in turns three and four, and a relatively flat backstretch. This design presents distinct challenges and opportunities for drivers and teams as they prepare for the 312-lap event.
Drivers to Watch
- Christopher Bell: Bell is entering the weekend as the favorite, riding a two-race winning streak. He also won the spring race at Phoenix in 2024, showcasing his proficiency at this track.
- Ryan Blaney: Blaney has demonstrated consistent performance at Phoenix, boasting an average finish of 2.8 in the Next Gen era, with top-five finishes in all his recent starts at the track. However, a victory at Phoenix has eluded him thus far.
- William Byron: Byron secured a win at Phoenix in 2023 and has been a strong contender this season. His familiarity with the track could play to his advantage in the upcoming race.
The Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway promises to be an exciting event, with Katherine Legge’s historic debut adding to the anticipation. As teams navigate their respective challenges, fans can expect a thrilling race filled with strategic maneuvers and intense competition.
